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JURISDICTION/VENUE
A. Subject matter jurisdiction: power to hear a suit
1. State Courts: general jurisdiction
2. Federal Courts: limited jurisdiction
a. Fed. question (Constitutional q., laws, treaties of U.S.) OR
b. Diversity – citizens of different states (at time of filing matters)
c. Amount in dispute > $75,000
B. Personal jurisdiction: Court must have some power and authority over D. (some connection to state)
1. Does D. have “minimum contacts” w/in state?
C. Venue – place of trial (connection w/ courts and parties)
PLEADINGS/MOTIONS:
A. Complaint (Rules 8, 9, 10, 11, 18) (JURISDICTION + LEGAL BASIS + DAMAGES)
*****Does P. allege a theory? What is P. relying on? (Negligence, fraud, etc.?)
 Courts liberal in construing complaints/allowing to amend b/c should not be lost due to technical defects
1. Role/Purpose
a. Notice
b. Identify non-meritorious cases (screen out frivolous cases where P. has no right to relief)
c. Test substantive sufficiency**** (see if P. has any right – purpose of pre-answer motions)
2. DETAIL REQUIRED:
a. Must allege (or be able to infer) all substantive elements of claim (+ facts relating to)
b. Not much detail – short & plain statement of claim + relief wanted [8(a)(2)]
c. Must state legal theory/claim giving right to relief
i. Ct. will read complaint liberally (Rannels)
ii. Duncan: alleged discrimination based on race – must mention her race
3. Sufficiency: Pleading v. Substantive Problems:
a. Claims/defenses don’t need to be consistent – [8(e)(2)]
b. PLEADING PROBLEM: Not enough detail and specificity (elements)
c. SUBSTANTIVE PROB.: No legal claim
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4. Allocating elements: (Toledo v. Gomez – who has to plead what?)
a. Is this a favored (D. has to plead) claim?
b. Probability – who is likely to be right?
5. Special pleading requirements: Fraud or mistake; securities actions; civil rights actions – 9(b)
a. FRAUD: need who, what, when, where, how – b/c of substantive right to avoid discovery, must
show more detail (threshold unclear) – DiLeo
Securities Fraud Statute:
1. Circumstances constituting fraud/mistake must be stated w/ particularity (have to show
D. knew statements were untrue)
2. Acts as barrier to discovery (b/c discovery process disproportionately burdensome for D.)
3. PROBLEM: evidence in fraud cases often solely in possession of D. – P. can’t get it yet
4. Beefed up, almost mandatory, sanctions
b. Civil Rights Cases: who has responsibility for raising various elements?
1. P. doesn’t have to anticipate affirmative defense of qualified immunity (Gomez)
2. If language says “unless”, “but except” – burden on D.
3. Who would be in better position to raise and present issue
4. Supreme Court about qualified immunity: not only substantive component – also procedural
component (not ordinary D) – These D’s have right not to stand trial
5. No heightened pleading requirements but P. can be required to reply to answer of qualified
immunity in detail
6. RULE 11 SANCTIONS: - must be made separately – has been revised to reduce # of motions for sanctions
- First must give notice and reasonable opportunity to respond – 11(c) (21 days safe harbor provision)
- Court can initiate
a. What can be sanctioned:
1. Must have conducted some factual investigation – 11(b)
2. Written docs can’t be presented for improper purposes or frivolous lawsuits – 11(b)(1)
TEST: Would a competent lawyer think argument was decent?
3. Legal allegations warranted by existing law or nonfrivolous argument for extension of law –
11(b)(2) – no “pure heart empty head” suits - NO $$ SANCTIONS
4. Factual allegations have evidentiary support or are likely to have support – 11(b)(3)
- Sanctions unlikely here b/c violation rule is loose – usually satisfied
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b. SANCTIONS: - 2 types
1. Sanctions caused by violation – 11(c)(2) – limited to what needed to deter conduct
2. Sanctions for cost/expenses of motion for sanctions – 11(c)(1)(A)
 Limited to what needed to deter violation (Bridges)
 Sanctions saved for egregious conduct
3. NOT a correction rule – if something wrong in pleading, P doesn’t have to amend, just can’t
continue to advocate that view
4. SAFE HARBOR: can’t file until 21 days after non-movant given opportunity to correct
- Timing Problem: D. must answer w/in 20 dys
B. MOTIONS/RESONSES/ANSWER (rules 8, 12, 13, 15)
1. FAILURE TO ANSWER:
a. All allegations admitted, default judgment – 8(d)
b. Allegations in pleading (where responsive pleading required) admitted when not denied
c. In pleading where NO responsive pleading required – assumed denied
2. MOTION OR ANSWER
a. D. must admit or deny allegations – 8(b)
1. General Denials: Cts. condemn them – must in good faith be denying all allegations, including
jurisdiction
b. D. can plead alternative or inconsistent defenses – 8(e)(2)
3. PREANSWER MOTIONS: - only one motion relating to merits before answer***
 Delays answer; way to get dismissed; avoids need to file answer, take a position
 If pre-answer denied, have 10 days to answer
a. 12(b)(6) Motion:
1. Do P’s factual allegations, if true, entitle him to relief under any legal theory ? (Doesn’t consider
if P. can prove statements)
2. Dismissal only if claims unquestionably insufficient to entitle P to relief no matter what
supporting facts entered at trial (Conley v. Gibson standard)
3. If successful, P can as for leave to amend complaint
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b. 12(b) Motions:
1. 12(b)(1): Lack of subject matter jurisdiction
2. 12(b)(2): Lack of personal jurisdiction - Immediately fatal to P’s case
3. 12(b)(3): Improper venue
4. 12(b)(4): Insufficiency of process
5. 12(b)(5): Insufficiency of service of process
6. 12(b)(6): Failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted
7. 12(b)(7): Failure to join a party under Rule 19 (Temple)
- 12(b)(4),(5),(7) – defects in procedure – usually curable
c. 12(e) Motion For More Definite Statement:
- Court RARELY GIVES – claim must be very vague – must be in pre-answer
- Usually denied b/c Rule 33 allows D. to get more info.
d. 12(f) Motion to Strike:
1. Scandalous matter – “D., who is a ‘drunken maniac’…”
2. Technically, a 12(b)(6) to an individual claim when a complaint has several
3. P. uses as 12(b)(6) to an affirmative defense – failure to state a legal defense
e. Judgment on the Pleadings – 12(c) – after pleadings over
MOTION Consequence of leaving out of Pre- If no Pre-answer motion made:
12(g) + 12(h) answer Motion
12(b)(1) [subj. matter jurisdiction] Can be raised anytime Can be raised anytime
12(b)(2)-(5) [venue, jurisdiction,
process] Lose it Lose it, or put in answer, or amend
“disfavored defenses” answer “as of right” – 15(a)
12(b)(6),(7), failure to state a legal Can put it in answer Can raise in different ways:
defense 12(b)(6): Judgment on pleadings,
motion for SJ, DV, j.n.o.v.
12(b)(7): Likely to lose later –
chances of winning diminish as case
progresses
12(e) [More definite statement] Lose it Lose it
Any Rule 12 motion can be raised in answer if no pre-answer filed
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4. DENIALS:
a. The problem of General Denial
1. Doesn’t tell other side what’s being denied (b/c denies every allegation)
a. Zielinski – (P. sued wrong D.; general denial didn’t give notice; estoppel →no
amendment)
2. Must, w/good faith intend to deny all elements, including jurisdiction – 8(b)
3. If improper denial, P. must move quickly to require proper denial [12(f) motion to strike] or
move for sanctions (11)
4. P. can help avoid general denial/misleading answers by indicating in pleadings his
claims/defenses in separate paragraphs – 10(b)
b. Don’t have to admit things you’re going to dispute in court
c. Other Problems:
1. Negative Pregnant: “Denies she drove negligently on July 1” – Ct will assume she admits to neg.
and denies date
2. Conjunctive Denial: “D denies he drove negligently and drunk” – assumes you deny only lesser
charge
5.AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES: ****Recent decisions very generous***(If you can raise in some other way in
case, may avoid dismissal)
a. 8(c): accord and satisfaction, arbitration and award, assumption of risk, contributory negligence, discharge
in bankruptcy, duress, estoppel, failure of consideration, fraud, illegality, injury by fellow servant,
laches, license, payment, release, res judicata, statute of frauds, statute of limitations, waives
b. SURPRISE TEST: does other side have notice?
c. Use it or lose it
1. If D. fails to assert AD during pleadings, cannot assert after Cts reluctant to grant amendment
b/c D. had all info available to him to assert AD
2. Layman (D’s had easement to go on P’s land – didn’t introduce until trial)
d. Can assert AD and also plead denials; can all be inconsistent – 8(e)(2)
e. If party mistakenly makes counterclaim when should be AD, vice versa, Cts treat as proper
If A, B, & C P. wins unless D, E, or F –
A,B,C = denial
D,E,F = affirmative defense
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6. REPLY – 7(a) – Where P. can reply to an answer
1. MUST REPLY if answer contains counterclaim
7. COUNTERCLAIMS—COMPULSORY V. PERMISSIVE; CROSS-CLAIMS
a. Compulsory: [13(a)] – related to P’s claim, arising out of same transaction or occurrence (so long as
no 3rd parties required who can’t be joined b/c of jurisdiction)
EXCEPT:
1. Counterclaim subject of another pending lawsuit at time
OR
2. Brought suit upon claim by attachment or other process where court didn’t have personal jurisdic.
- If counterclaim deprives fed. ct. of jurisdiction, but is compulsory, fed. ct. has supplemental jurisdic
to hear counterclaim
- USE IT OR LOSE IT: If unsure if compulsory, put it in
b. Test in Blazer
1. Are issues of fact and law raised by claim and counterclaim largely the same?
2. Would res judicata bar a subsequent suit on D’s claim absent the compulsory claim?
3. Will substantially the same evidence support or refute P’s claim as well as D’s counterclaim?
4. Is there a logical relationship between the claim and the counterclaim?
c. PERMISSIVE: (unrelated to P’s claim) – not arising out of same “transaction or occurrence”
1. Must have jurisdiction
2. Can make leave to amend to add it if it happens later – 13(e)
3. D. can join other parties under Rules 19, 20 when making counterclaim b/c acting as P – 13(h)
4. Omitted counterclaim: pleading can be amended w/ leave of court – 13(f)
d. CROSS-CLAIM
1. First claim must arise out of same transaction or occurrence as original action; subsequent claims
can be wholly unrelated – 13(g)
8. AMENDMENTS
 What is being amended?
 When? – Why wait so long?
 What is the effect on the other side? (did they know about it all the time?)
 Did you tell them?
 Is there a statute of limitations problem?
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*******Courts almost always allow at beginning of case →→→→gets harder as case goes on ********
a. GENERAL AMENDMENTS – 15(a):
1. “As of Right”: Party can amend 1 time before opponent files responsive pleading (not including
pre-answer); If no response allowed, w/in 20 days of pleading served if action not on trial
calendar yet
- Can bring in disfavored defenses here – 12(h)
2. By Leave of Court: “Freely given when justice so requires” (or by non-movant’s permission)
a. Good reason why didn’t get right 1st time
- Why has party waited this long?
- Why make it now? (just learned facts; info. came out in discovery)
- How long have you known about it?
- Has discovery been completed?
- How close to trial?
b. Prejudice to other side? (actual harm)
- Are documents/witnesses/evidence no longer available? Will a # of new witnesses
have to be deposed? Will more extensive discovery be necessary?
- Prejudice (Beeck) – no bad faith – allowed to amend
- Timeliness (Moore) – can’t change theory when you think you’re losing
3. When court will likely grant:
a. P. invoked valid body of law and facts sound as if they might fit framework
b. Failure to grant leave is basis for appellate reversal
c. POLICY: Cases shouldn’t be lost b/c of technical defects in pleadings
b. AMENDMENTS DURING TRIAL FOR ISSUES NOT IN PLEADINGS – 15(b)
*****Usually not an issue b/c most cases are ones where parties knew about it – not an issue *****
1. No objection by non-movant:issue tried by express/implied consent; pleading considered amended
2. With objection: Court must freely grant when:
a. Party presents merits of action (merits of case will be aided) AND
b. Objection party fails to prove prejudice will result?
- Is there a different burden now (absolute liability)?
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c. RELATION BACK: Statute of Limitations Problems – 15(c)
****Look at 15(a) first***
1. Claim/defense in amended pleadings arose out of the same conduct, transaction, or occurrence
set forth in the original pleading – 15(c)(2)
*******KEY: Did original complaint give notice to D of new claim being asserted (OK if legal
theory changed, facts same)
- Bonerb – (b-ball in rehab) Ct. sympathetic to new lawyer changes; disc. not completed - Y
2. Changing the party or naming of the party:
a. Satisfy 15(c)(2)
b. Party must have notice AND
c. Party knew or should have known that if not for mistaken identity the action would have
been brought against it
d. SUPPLEMENTAL PLEADINGS: - 15(d)
1. Can file motion (w/ reasonable notice and just terms) to serve supplemental pleading adding
transactions/occurrences/events which happened since date of pleadings
2. Ct. may grant permission event though original pleading defective in claim or defense
3. Ct. can order adverse party to plead to supplemental pleadings
9. Voluntary Dismissal
a. P. may voluntarily dismiss an action w/out prejudice the first time before an answer is filed or motion for
SJ is filed, or by agreement of parties.
b. 2nd voluntary dismissal operates as adjudication on the merits – 41(a)
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JOINDER/MULTIPLE PARTIES (Rules 17, 19, 20, 22, 24)
A. Joinder of Claims: Rule 13, 18
1. P can join any and all clalims, legal remedies
a. Ct has discretion to sever for trial convenience – 42(b)
2. No compulsory joinder of claims except in cases where res judicata/claim preclusion would require it
3. Compulsory counterclaims: [13(a)] – Same transaction or occurrence
4. Permissive counterclaims: [13(b)]
5. Jurisdiction: §1367 Supplemental jurisdiction
B. JOINDER OF PARTIES:
1. PERMISSIVE: P. can join w/ other P’s or to name group of D’s – 20(a) IF:
 Always at P’s option
a. Assert any right to relief jointly, severally – same transaction, occurrence, or series of…. –
Broad logical relation test (more broad than 13(a)) AND:
b. Question of law or fact common to all P’s which will arise in the action
c. Ct. can order separate trials on claims – 20(b), 42(b) – after trial of common question (p. 908)
1. Mosely: different facts okay b/c ll rested on discrimination policy (same basis)
2. May depend on howo “transaction” is defined”
2. COMPULSORY (joint tortfeasors not covered – Synthesis) – 19(a) and 19(b) – must be joined unless
jurisdictional problems
USUALLY OPERATES IN CASES OF CONTRACTS AND PROPERTY RIGHTS
Common parties subject: (1) Patent/copyright owner when exclusive licensee brings suit against 3rd party
(2) All owners of same property when co-owner brings suit to quiet title
(3) Original lessee when lessor sues sublessee for forfeiture due to sublessee’s acts
(4) All partners in a suit by a partner to dissolve a partnership
(5) Corporation in a shareholder’s derivative suit
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a. PARTY MUST BE JOINED IF:
1. Can court provide complete relief to P w/out absent party?
2. Will case impair or impede ability of absent party to protect an interest he has in the subject of the
action? –
3. Will any existing parties be subject to multiple liability or inconsistent obligations from absent
party?
a. Helzberg – not indispensable b/c inconsistency due to party’s own fault
b. FACTORS WHICH CAN DESTROY SUIT REQUIRING JOINDER:
1. Subject matter jurisdiction
2. Amount in controversy
3. Personal jurisdiction (can be waived)
4. Venue
*********If 1, 2, or 3 satisfied but party can’t be joined →→→→→ go to Rule 19(b)*******
c. Persons who must be joined but cannot be – 19(b) – INDISPENSIBLE
1. Extent of prejudice to absent 3rd party or existing parties
2. Possibility of framing judgment to mitigate such prejudice
3. Adequacy of remedy that can be granted in party’s absence
4. Whether P will have adequate remedy if action dismissed (e.g. suing in another forum)
d. Reasons for nonjoinder: 19(c): P must name all necessary parties (people who should be joined but
aren’t) in pleading and state why not joined – Target of Rule 12(b)(7)
C. INTERVENTION – Rule 24
1. As of Right – R24
a. Statue of U.S. confers unconditional right to intervene
b. Applicant claims interest relating to property or transaction, and proceeding w/out him will impair
his ability to protect that interest Cts generally
reluctant to give
AND intervention unless
c. Interest isn’t already adequately represented by existing party it would make trial
more efficient
TEST: 1. Did party timely apply for joinder?
2. Does absent party have substantial legally protected interest relating to suit?
3. May that interest, “as a practical matter” be impaired by lawsuit
4. Is party adequately represented by existing parties? (burden minimal)
5. Injury to interest – stare decisis effect?
Problems with intervention: Additional parties may make settlement more
difficult
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D. 3RD PARTY CLAIMS: Rule 14 (impleader)
1. D. brining in 3rd party – 14(a)
a. If 3rd party “is or may be liable (secondarily/derivatively liable) to D in event D found liable to P
1. TEST: If D. loses, would D. have substantive legal right to get damages from 3 rd party –
Does D. have an indemnity agreement ?
2. Temple – no b/c doctor/hospital not liable to plate manufacturer
3. Not: “it was him, not me” rule
b. 3rd party can assert claims against original P that arise out of same transaction or occurrence that
is subject of original P’s claim against D
c. 3rd party can bring in own 3rd party D
E. INTERPLEADER : Rule 22 – Common property + inconsistent Rights (Avoiding inconsistent decisions)
1. D. can avoid multiple liability – D. can join all for determination for who has claim – 28 U.S.C. §1335
a. Cohen v. Phillippines – (different people claim right to paintings – p. 960)
b. Mostly in cases of insurance companies (e.g. Payable to “my spouse”– remarries, dies – who is spouse?)
2. Defensive Interpleader: D. can use as counterclaim against P and joinder of another P (p. 964 n.6)
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DISCOVERY (Rules 26, 30, 34, 35, 37, 45) – (wraps up between 30-90 days before trial – at least 30)
A. INITIAL DISCLOSURES: [26(a)] (at or w/in 10 days of meeting)
1. Names of persons likely to have discoverable info. relevant to disputed facts alleged w/ particularity in
pleadings – NARROW STANDARD
2. Copy of all documents, data compilations, tangible things in possession of party relevant to disputed facts
3. Computation of damages [26(a)(1)(C)]
4. Info. favorable to your case must be disclosed (not what’s favorable to other side)
5. DO NOT NEED names of non-testifying experts
B. PRETRIAL DISCLOSURES: [26(a)(2)(3)] – must be made at least 30 days before trial
1. Name, address, phone of each witness; list of who will be called; who may be called; whose testimony
will be presented by deposition
2. Names of any testifying expert (“who may be used at trial to present evidence”) – 26(a)(2) – must be
disclosed at least 90 days before trial)
3. Written report from testifying expert w/ all opinions express + reasons; compensation paid
4. Identification of each document, exhibit, & other evidence “identifying those which the party expects
to offer and those party may offer if needed” – 26(a)(3)(C)
C. PROCEDURES:
1. NOTICE:
a. Discovery meeting required – discuss possibility of settlement or plan for discovery – 26(f)
b. No disc until meeting, unless authorized by parties/local rule/order – 26(d)
STRATEGY: If other side wants depo before meeting, let them b/c probably won’t be able to ask
right questions – and will need court’s permission to take another depo
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2. DEPOSITIONS: (only have to answer what’s w/in your knowledge)
a. Only 10 allowed unless permission (also need permission if person already deposed) – 30(a)(2)
b. CORPORATIONS – 30(b)(6) Can ask corp to designate rep after you designate subject matter w/
particularity
PROBLEM: Lots of “I don’t know” answers
c. Nonparties: - Rule 45
1. Must use subpoena (asserts power of court) – if no subpoena and person doesn’t attend, you may
be liable for $ of other party attending
2. Subpoena to get their docs – must be produced as kept in usual course of business/organized to
correspond w/ categories in requires – 45(d)(1)
3. If subpoena but info. w/held b/c privilege, trial prep., etc. – must make express claims w/
description of nature of info so requesting party can contest claim – 45(d)(2)
d. Objections (must be non-argumentative and non-suggestive)
1. Can instruct deponent not to answer ONLY to protect privilege, limitations by court, or b/c
depo. in bad faith – 30(d)(1)
2. Witness must answer even if objected to (objection is noted) – 30(c) – unless info. is privileged
under 26(b)(1) & 30(d)(1) (bad faith, enforce, limitation by ct.)
3. If exam in bad faith or in manner to annoy, embarrass, oppress deponent or party, can move
to suspend/limit scope of depo – 30(d)(3)
4. If party objects – have to do something – make motion to compel 37(c) or else nothing
happens and question drops out
3. INTERROGATORIES (Only serve on party – not witnesses)
a. Can serve 25
b. Party must respond w/ info. known to party or w/in its control – 33(a)
PROBLEM: If you don’t ask the right
questions, you don’t get the right answers
c. Objections: State specific grounds (e.g. work product) – 33(b)(4) – If objection is PRIVILEGE -26(b)(5)
must expressly claim privilege, describe nature of docs/communications so other party can challenge
d. Can produce business records if answers can be derived or ascertained from them – 33(d)
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4. DOCUMENT PRODUCTION; ENTRY UPON LAND FOR INSPECTION - Rule 34
a. Request for production of docs or to inspect, test, copy, etc. things in possession, custody, or control
(must be w/in scope of 26b)
b. Request for docs from witnesses – Subpoena under Rule 45
c. Procedure:
1. Serve request w/ items particularly described; specify a reasonable time, place, and manner
2. Party served must respond w/ respect to each item that will allow or object to, w/ reasons why
3. Submittor may move for order under 37(a) for things objected to or failure to respond or failure to
permit inspection
5. PROTECTIVE ORDERS; PRIVACE – 26(c)
Court has broad discretion to regulate/prevent discovery otherwise allowable
under 26(b)
a. Procedure:
1. MEET AND CONFER
2. File affidavit saying you’ve met and conferred
3. Motion to limit/deny disclosure/discovery
a. Must show GOOD CAUSE
b. To protect from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense
(see p.68 Rules for examples)
- Rhinehart – could discover names, but couldn’t publish
- Abortion case – maybe let 3rd party examine material; don’t disclose names
6. MOTION TO COMPEL – 37(B)
If you want info and they won’t give – HAVE TO ASK THE COURT*******
1. Normally wait until discovery is far along
2. BUT – as trial approaches, courts less willing to grant b/c may delay trial
********FIRST MUST “MEET AND CONFER” – CERTIFY TO COURT BY AFFIDAVIT*****
a. Failure to make required disclosures – compel disclosure & sanctions for costs – 37(a)(2)(A)
b. Won’t answer question; corp won’t designate person; won’t let inspect docs – 37(a)(2)(B)
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c. Evasive or incomplete disclosure, answer, response = failure to disclose, answer, respond – 37(a)(3)
d. If motion granted, non-movant pays fees of making motion (if denied, vice versa) – “shall order” –
mandatory?
7. SUPPLEMENTATION: If party learns info disclosed was materially incorrect/incomplete, must inform other
party – 26(e)
D. SCOPE OF DISCOVERY – Court can always relevant/prevent even if material is relevant
1. RELEVANCE; PRIVILEGE; LEAD TO ADMISSIBLE EVIDENCE
a. Relevance: may be useful in connection w/ trial or some facet of discovery [26(b)(1)]
1. Sullivan and Cromwell: have to explain why partner info. will be helpful – if Yes, can discover
2. Doesn’t’ need to be admissible at trial if “it appears reasonably calculated to lead to the
discovery of admissible evidence”
3. OK if it relates to events in suit, even if not relevant to claims or defenses initially pleaded
4. May still be subject to protective order
b. Privileged (legal) (vs. Confidential – not protected)
1. Privilege usually prevails against discovery request, even if crucial (privilege can be waived)
2. Party withholding must describe nature of product so other party can challenge
3. Attorney-Client: extends only to communications, not facts
4. Business secrets/trade secretes NOT PRIVILEGED
c. WORK PRODUCT: (think in terms of purpose: to protect the way a lawyer works)
******Not only for parties – nonparties who think it will attach to potential claims too*******8
1. Some trial prep. immune from discovery (protection more limited than privilege)
a. MATERIALS (docs/tangible things): - 26(b)(3)
1. Substantial needs of materials to prepare
2. Unable w/out undue hardship to obtain equivalent of materials by other
means
- Hickman – written statements by witnesses usually OK if can’t get elsewhere
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b. EXPERTS (not witnesses – retained in anticipation of litigation/prep. for trial) – 26(b)(4)
1. exceptional circumstances
2. Impracticable for party seeking discovery to obtain facts/opinions on same
subject by other means
- Chiquita – P. had vessel examined immediately – D. didn’t – D could have gotten
own surveyor easily b/c boat w/in D’s control
2. “Mental impressions, conclusions, opinions, legal theories of an attorney” →→not discoverable
3. CATEGORIES OF WORK PRODUCT:
a. Docs prepared in anticipation of litigation that contain info reasonably obtained through
other means – no discovery
b. Requesting party demonstrates substantial need & can’t get similar info w/out substantial
hardship – court may order production, but limit it to protect attorney views
c. Opposing counsel’s thought process in preparation – no discovery
Questions to ask:
1. Was material prepared by or for another party, or by that party’s rep (e.g. his lawyer) - YES = protected
2. Was it prepared in anticipation of litigation or for trial? YES = protected
3. Did party seeking show substantial need? NO = protected
4. Is party unable w/out undue hardship to get materials elsewhere? NO = protected
5. Is material being sought simply facts? NO = protected
2. EXPERTS: First ask if he is an expert – how did he get the info? Is he just an occurrence/fact witness?
a. Testifying (subject to mandatory disclosures and depos)
- must disclose names; report of opinions; can be deposed [26(b)(4)(A)]
b. Non-testifying:
1. Expert retained/employed in anticipation of litigation or preparation for trial – other side
must show exceptional circumstances/undue hardship – [26(b)(4)(B)]
2. Thompson – exam about state of mind – taken years ago – no way to test now - OK
c. Fact/occurrence witnesses v. Expert
1. If occurrence + expert, court will separate what he learned as occurrence and what he learned as
expert
3. PHYSICAL & MENTAL EXAMS - Rule 35
a. Physical/mental condition must be “in controversy”
b. Need “good cause” to ask other party to submit to exam – 35(a)
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c. Need actual factual basis to think the condition exists (“SUBSTANTIAL BASIS”)
1. Courts sensitive to right of privacy –wary to give exams
2. Less likely to grant request to P. b/c easy to allege and harass D. for no reason
d. Party submitted to exam gets copy of detailed report of examiner; party requesting gets copy of any
previous/future reports of examiners – 35(b)(1)
e. If examined party requests report, waives present/future Dr./patient privilege in present/future lawsuits
concerning that particular condition – 35(b)(2)
4. Where court may limit discovery – 26(b)(2)
a. Discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative; obtainable from another more
convenient, less burdensome, or less expensive source
OR
b. Party seeking has had ample opportunity to obtain such info
OR
c. Burden or expense of discovery outweighs likely benefit
1. What are the needs of the case
2. Amount in controversy?
3. Parties’ resources
4. Importance of the issues at stake in the litigation
5. Importance of the proposed discovery in resolving the issues
E. ABUSES AND SANCTIONS
1. Total refusal to discover – 37(d) (most punitive sanctions)
a. Failure to answer questions, show up at depo, produce docs, respond to requests – court can make
“any orders in regard to the failure as are just” – HARSH SANCTIONS
b. MUST MEET AND CONFER BEFORE ANY MOTION FOR SANCTIONS
2. Discovery Motions: motion to compel granted – nothing happened
a. Failure to comply w/ court order:
1. Sanctions as are just – including strike out part of pleadings; dismissing action; judgment by
default; disallowing party to use certain claims – 37(b)(2)
2. $ Sanctions limited to expenses
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b. Failure to disclose (required disclosures or got evidence later – Klonski)
1. Evidence cannot be used at trial – unless failure is “harmless”
- Cts. reluctant to prohibit use of critical evidence – not normally imposed absent a showing
of willful deception or flagrant disregard of a court order
a. MUST DO SOMETHING –even if you got it 2 days before, inform other side – 37(c)(1)
b. Court can also make nay other sanctions under 37(b)(2) + expenses
c. Failure to subpoena – 30(g)
1. Reasonable expenses of other party if witness doesn’t show
RISK OF FAILING TO DISCLOSE: MAY
NOT BE ABLE TO USE IT AT TRIAL [37(c)]
PLAINTIFF DEFENDANT (OR OPPOSING PARTY)
Fails to comply W/ DISCOVERY REQUEST
1. Motion to compel – 37(a)
2. Result: order from Ct compelling discovery
Complies w/ discovery 3. Sanctions under 37(a)(4)(A) to recover expenses
incurred in making motion if motion granted or party
provides disclosure/discovery after motion is filed.
To punish conduct, can get sanctions under 26(g)
Still refuses to comply 3. Sanctions under 37(b)(2) for failure to comply w/
order
If total failure to disclose (doesn’t show up to deposition, 4. Sanctions under 37(d): Movant must 1st show he has
answer interrogatories, doesn’t do anything when served in good faith meet and confer w/ party to get them to
w/request) respond.
Can get reasonable fees caused by failure from party or
lawyer or both
If object to time, location, claiming inconvenience, file Cannot use objection to discovery or idea that you could
motion for protective order under 26(c) have or would have filed a protective order as excuse for
failure to act w/discovery request. Pending protective
order under 26(c) is a valid excuse
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PRETRIAL CONFERENCES/ORDERS – Rule 16
A. Purpose:
1. Reducing time required for trial and enhance quality – 16(a)
2. Consider necessity or desirability of amendments to pleadings
3. Issue pretrial order controlling the scope of the trial – ONLY MODIFIED TO PREVENT
MANIFEST INJUSTICE
4. Party cannot raise matters or present evidence at trial not w/in scope of order
McKey – During pre-trail conference, judge asks if P wants to stick w/ theory of negligence.
P. says yes. During trial wants to introduce housing code. NO b/c not part of pretrial
order.
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SUMMARY JUDGMENT – Rule 56 (usually made after discovery)
A. Purpose
1. Identify cases where “no issue of material fact”; test for sufficient factual claim; trial would be useless
a. Not meant to try facts – only determine if genuine contests issues of material fact exist
b. If one element of claim has no evidence to support it (of p.f. case), entire claim susceptible to dismissal
2. Allows judge to assure rational decision making (prevent jury from deciding on no evidence)
a. Houchins: (P’s husb. died – can’t tell if from accident or other way – no way for jury to tell – SJ)
B. Requirements:
1. Is there a genuine issue as to any material fact?
a. Real disagreement about any fact that matters under substantive law?
2. Is moving party entitled to JML (DV)
a. Does governing law entitle moving party to relief on facts pleaded?
b. SJ usually not appropriate if complaint rests on, e.g., negligence – question for jury
C. Procedural Caveats
1. SJ decision may be delayed if opposing party hasn’t yet been able to complete discovery – 56(f)
2. SJ can resolve individual claims in multi-claim lawsuit – 56(c), (d)
D. Burden of production/persuasion
1. Burden of production: Level of evidence that rational jury can find for P. – In the jury zone?
a. view evidence in light most favorable to opposing party
b. New appropriate if moving party’s evidence itself raises doubts to facts (even of non-mov. does nothing)
c. If affidavits contradictory – NO SJ
2. If moving party’s evidence = enough to establish that party’s version of the facts – burden shifts to opposing
party to produce contrary evidence
a. Presumptions: Presumption stays in case when P. introduces evidence, not rebutted – drops out if D.
introduces evidence
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3. Burden of persuasion: If tie, person who has this burden loses
E. Relationship to JML:
1. SJ based on depos, interrogs, affidavits, declarations – DV on basis of testimony, evidence
2. Same question – has party opposing motion offered enough evid. a reasonable factfinder could find for him?
3. Cts. more reluctant to grant SJ than JML – parties should have full opportunity to present evidence at trial
before decision – JML easier to meet
F. Showing of Movant:
1. Burden: point to absent of evidence to support other party’s claim (no genuine issue of material fact)
a. It’s version is correct
b. Other party w/ burden can’t meet it
2. 2 standards:
a. Celotex: (P’s decedent died; claimed asbestos exposure produced by ∆; 3 docs: depo of decedent, letter
from former employer; letter from insurance co ) – are they admissible – Ct. split
b. Visser: Only evidence affidavits of other employees saying must have been the reason – NO jury zone
G. Showing of opponent – Must satisfy burden of production – 56(e):
1. Produce some evidence party will be able to satisfy burden of production at trial (evidence on need be
suggestive) – 56(e)
2. That evidence will be usable at trial and sufficient
a. declarations by people who will be able to testify at trial
b. interrogs, depos, affidavits, admissible documents
c. Showing that party has evidence that will be admissible
3. Some cases where burden not satisfied, but opposing party might get trial:
a. If trial will expose evidence for non-moving party on cross-examination of moving party, esp. when
issue involves motive or intent of moving party (difficult to show before trial) – Visser
b. If facts in hands of moving party, and will only be revealed during discovery
H. Burdens:
1. MOVANT: establish no genuine issue as to one element of P’s claim to dismiss whole case
2. NON-MOVANT: show all elements not in dispute to succeed (or else can move for SJ on element)
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TRIALS: (Rules 49, 50, 52, 59)
A. Right to Jury Trial: - Have to filed demand in complaint – 38(d)
1. TESTS:
a. Look at closest common law analogy law:
1. At common law, damages were legal; restitution, injunction, specific performance were equitable
2. Law (jury trial): damages, eviction & replevin (repossession of personal property wrongfully
taken by D)
3. Equity (no jury) – actions involving injunctive relief, specific performance, modifications of
contracts & trustees (& restitution?)
b. Look at remedy – was it legal or equitable
2. Merger of legal and equitable claims:
a. When both claims, try legal first (jury trial). Doesn’t matter if legal issues trivial – Beacon Theatres
b. Doesn’t matter if name sounds equitable – Dairy Queen
3. Overlap w/ res judicata issues:
a. Under nonmutual issue preclusion, if issue precluded in 1st trial w/out jury, party has no right to jury in
2nd trial to decide issue. Under common law, right to jury trial (if matter legal & not equitable) since
issue is not precluded
4. Procedural Motions:
a. Any party can demand jury trial for issues triable by jury by serving other party w/ demand & filing it w/
court according to 5(b). Can seek by including in complaint – 38(b).
B. Rational Decision Making
1. Burden of persuasion; risk of nonpersuasion
a. When possibility that evidence points equally to both sides, party bearing burden of persuasion must
convince trier of fact their view more probable than no (in civil cases)
2. Control of jury verdicts; satisfying burden of production
a. If P. has burden of production, must get to jury zone (mere disbelief of D. not enough) – court assumes
truth of evidence to get to jury
b. P. produces overwhelming evidence: Burden shifts to D.
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c. P. barely produces enough: D. can move burden back to P.
C. DIRECTED VERDICT:
1. Not in jury zone – equal inferences
2. JML probably appropriate when:
a. No rational way to decide (Reid – cow through gate or broken fence)
b. No one knows what happened (man hit on head)
c. Physical impossibility (tire track cases – testimony + contrary physical evidence →jury)
d. Incredible story
e. Overwhelming contrary evidence/interested witnesses (Chamberlain – could go either way)
f. Evaluation of undisputed facts (jury may still have power to evaluate)
3. PROCEDURAL DEVICES – JML; new trial:
a. DV [50(a)]:
1. Judge consider nonmovant evidence in most favorable light + evidence by movant that isn’t
impeaches or contradicted by opposing party’s evidence
2. Only if no right to relief for opposing party – no reasonable person could find (Norton v.
Snapper; Penn. Railroad v. Chamberlain – brakeman run over – 3 witnesses say no
crash; P’s witnesses not credible at all) – Court weighs all evidence
3. Burden of production: Judge doesn’t resolve factual issues – only makes legal judgment that
evidence so weak, really no meaningful factual dispute for jury to consider
4. When JML (DV) can be filed:
a. By D. after P. rests case (P. can’t b/c D. has opportunity to be heard)
b. By P. or D. after D. rests (before closing arguments) (rarely granted)
****Must file here to later file for j.n.o.v.****
c. After verdict – j.n.o.v – 50(b) –
d. If judge grants j.n.o.v., higher court reverses, no new trial needed b/c jury already returned verdict
e. Motion for j.n.o.v. & new trial combined: ruling on new trial conditional – 50(c)(1)
5. Matters for the jury:
a. Credibility of witnesses (unless witness totally unbelievable – Chamberlain)
b. Negligence, even if no facts in dispute
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6. Grounds for new trial: - Rule 59 (Lind)
1. 2 possible reasons to grant new trial:
a. Flawed procedure: (e.g. improper admission of evidence, jury misconduct, improper jury
instruction) – standard = mistake material to outcome of trial
b. Flawed verdict: (e.g. against clear weight of evidence) – standard: miscarriage of justice
(P’s evidence may barely satisfy burden of production)
a. Judge shouldn’t substitute it’s view for jury
b. Less discretion when new trial granted is in simple case instead of complex one (Lind)
2. Standards for review of grant of new trial:
a. Flawed procedure: since Q’s concerning admission or exclusion of evidence/proper jury
instructions = issues of law, appellate court in good position to evaluate such decisions; not
in good position to evaluate whether flawed procedure materially affected outcome
b. Flawed verdict: b/c trial judge has unique perspective (able to evaluate live testimony) appellate
court overturning usually not appropriate (even though, by negating jury’s verdict, trial judge
substituted his own judgment of the facts & credibility of witnesses for that of the jury)
****Did judge usurp jury’s functions****
****Such trial court decisions close to being unreviewable – Easier for appellate ct to grant new
trial when none granted in original trial than to overturn trial court’s granting of new trial
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7. Alternative rulings on JML & new trial motions: [50(c) + 50(d)]
a. P. wins verdict, D. seeks j.n.o.v. on basis that evidence was too weak to support verdict, & in alternative
a new trial ong round judge mistakenly excluded important evidence offered by D
J.N.O.V. New Trial Appeal (immediately appealable?)
Denied Granted - New trial motion supercedes j.n.o.v. → next step = new
trial (NOT immediately appealable)
- After 2nd trial: can appeal denial of j.n.o.v. + grant of new
trial
- Problem: how many times does P. have to win – if same
result in 2nd trial, grant another?
Denied Denied - Most common situation – YES – final order
- If on appeal ct. reverses denial of j.n.o.v. (in favor of D.)-
if trial ct. had granted j.n.o.v. P would move for new trial
in trial ct.
- Theory: only a trial court has a feel for the overall case
- Rule 50(d): can assert motion for new trial in appellate ct
- Sup. Ct.: have to raise issue in 1st instance in appellate
ct, but if any indication issues are w/in particular knowl.
of trial court, remand back to trial court to decide
Granted (for D) Denied - YES – final judgment
- P. has right in 10 days to make motion for new trial in
trial court
- If j.n.o.v. reversed, d. can argue on appeal that denial of
new trial is also wrong – 50(c)(1)
- YES b/c grant of new trail is only conditional – 50(c)(1)
Granted Granted
- Grant of new trial only an issue if j.n.o.v. reversed
SPECTRUM
Miscarriage of justice
Judge personal views j.n.o.v. j.n.o.v. standard
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8. Limited new trial – damages; remittitur & additur
a. Can grant partial new trial limited to one issue – e.g. damages
b. Remittitur: judge orders new trial unless P. agrees to accept reduced damages
c. Additur: Orders new trial unless D agrees to pay more damages (unconstitutional in federal courts)
9. Types of verdict – special verdict, general verdict w/ interrogatories; general verdict
a. Special verdict: submit written questions for jury to answer & mold them to form a verdict – 49(a)
b. General verdict w/ interrogatories: submit written questions – 49(b)